Nicol E. Turner-Lee, Ph.D.
Contact
Education
Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
Ph.D. in Sociology, June, 2002
Dissertation: What Was the Deal with the Civil Rights Movement? Diminishing Collective
Memory of the Black Middle Class
Committee: Dr. Arthur Stinchcombe (advisor), Dr. Aldon Morris, Dr. Albert Hunter
Colgate University, Hamilton, New York
Bachelor of the Arts in Sociology & African American Studies, June 1990
Magna Cum Laude Professional Certification
University of Illinois’ Great Cities Institute, Chicago, Illinois
Certificate in Nonprofit Management, November 2003
Topics completed: Strategic Planning, Operations, Financial Management, Fundraising, Board
Governance and Marketing/Communications Teaching Activities
Adjunct Lecturer, North Park University
Fall 2000-2007, Chicago, Illinois Designed and taught in Masters in Community Development program on community organizing and
asset-based community development. Adjunct Lecturer, East West University Fall 2003 & Fall 2005, Chicago, Illinois
Designed and taught Behavioral and Social Science Department courses in the areas of sociology and
behavioral psychology.
Teaching Activities (cont’d)
Graduate Student Lecturer, Northwestern University
Spring 1995-Winter 2001, Evanston, Illinois Designed and taught the following courses: The History of Racial and Ethnic Minorities I & II; The
Social Meaning of Race for the African American Studies Department. Presented lectures to
undergraduate students in these B & C-level courses.
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Northwestern University
Fall 1991-Spring 1994, Evanston, Illinois Acted as a teaching assistant for the following courses: Problems of Cities, School & Society, Multi-
Methods Research, Social Problems, Introduction to Sociology and Field Research Methods for the
Sociology Department. Assisted with curriculum development with faculty member. Courses: Sociology, Communications, Inequality, Race and Ethnicity, Human Behavior, Community
Development, Anthropology, Research Methods
Research Experience
2013 – Present Vice President and Chief Research and Policy Officer, Minority Media and
Telecommunications Council (MMTC), Washington, DC. Responsible for
developing policy and advocacy priorities, platforms and advocacy strategies for
28 year old civil rights organization focused on advocacy in media and
telecommunications, especially for Minority- and Women-Owned Business
Enterprises (MWBEs). Responsible for research projects from design,
methodological outputs and final report(s). Works with Research Director and
Senior Staff Legal Counsel to shape research into prominent platforms for public
policy advocacy. Works directly with independent consultants/researchers that
frame research product, compile data and complete analysis. Conducts empirical
research through proven statistical methods, as well as secondary and tertiary
analyses on data gathered. Manages peer review process for final papers and
crafts strategy for paper delivery and advocacy in conjunction with MMTC core
constituent groups that include: civil rights organizations, labor unions, MWBEs,
entrepreneurs and other interested government leaders. Responsible for bringing
work to federal, state and local legislative caucuses for review. Have final
editorial jurisdiction on all formal legislative and agency filings, as well as final
research papers for organization. Represents organization on a federal
commission on Digital Diversity initiatives (by appointment only) led by the
Federal Communications Commission.
2009 – 2012 Vice President and Director, Media and Technology Institute, The Joint
Center for Political and Economic Studies, Washington, DC. Responsible
for the growth and development of a new research institute that focuses on broadband and broadcast innovation and sector expansion at one of the
leading public policy center’s for African Americans and other people of
color. Develop and direct research focus areas, publish, create strategic
partnerships for Institute’s expansion, manage key relationships with
industry, elected officials, academia and other organization stakeholders.
Responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of
budget goals for the Institute. Represent the organization at major
industry, government and academic conferences, hearings and other
venues.
2000-2003 Principal Investigator & Research Fellow, Northwestern University’s
Asset Based Community Development Institute, Evanston, IL
Designed survey instruments, analyzed data, trained and managed survey
team for a project focused on understanding the larger community benefit
of voluntary associations in a low-income Chicago neighborhood.
1998-2000 Principal Research Consultant, Northwestern University’s Asset Based
Community Development Institute, Northwest Tower Resident
Association and Massachusetts Institute for Technology’s New Media
Laboratory.
Developed multimedia software based on research results at an affordable
housing development focused on individual and community capacity building.
Project funded by Bank One corporation. A report documenting findings is
available.
1996-1999 Principal Investigator, Northwestern University’s Asset Based
Community Development Institute, Institute for Policy Research and
Shorebank Neighborhood Institute (Chicago, IL).
Designed survey instruments, trained field interviewers, analyzed
collected data and compiled results in a final report for a project
organizing a neighborhood trust & lending fund. Project funded by the
Searle Foundation. A report documenting findings is available.
1994-1995 Research Associate, Northwestern University’s Asset Based Community
Development Institute and the Woodstock Institute.
Worked on a project funded by the Anne Casey Foundation to understand
the relationship between bureaucratic systems, social services and
community associations. A report documenting findings is available.
Other Professional Experience
2012 – 2013 President and Chief Executive Officer, National Association for Multi-ethnicity
in Communications, New York, NY. Responsible for broad business operations,
program development and management, event planning, industry relationships
and membership development and growth for a national association advancing
diversity and inclusion in the cable communications industry. Manage lean
association staff that were primarily responsible for logistical tasks, and establish
visionary goals and measurable objectives for association growth and expansion.
Represent the organization at key public events, including large keynotes and
industry-led conferences and panels. Manage Board of Directors and CEOs who
sit on the NAMIC Board of Advisors. Key tasks included planning primary
conferences for association.
2003 – 2009 Senior Vice President, External Affairs One Economy Corporation,
Chicago, IL.
Lead operations and strategic direction of a global nonprofit that uses
innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information
to low-income people and connecting them to valuable tools for building
better lives. Responsible for $5m portfolio to implement the organization’s
three-pronged strategy: facilitating the deployment of broadband and
hardware into the homes of low-income people; producing informing and
engaging public-purpose media resources; and employing youth as Digital
Connectors who provide a cultural bridge between technology and their
communities. Lead a team of regional and national staff of Directors,
Coordinators and Consultants and provide support to a range of
community based and government partners. Manage donor relations and
engage in strategic business development with the philanthropic,
government and corporate sectors. Support company’s public policy and
advocacy work. Represent the corporation at various media and public
relations events and conferences.
1999 – 2009 Founder & Board Chair, The Neighborhood Technology Resource
Center, Chicago, IL
Created a nonprofit, community technology center whose mission is
focused on bringing the Internet and computer training to public spaces where low and moderate income people convene, i.e. affordable housing,
community centers, libraries, and parks. Started a signature Neighborhood
Networks site in an affordable housing development in Chicago, and
subsequently opened three additional locations in the city and surrounding
suburbs. Provided project management and technical support to two
independent sites also located in the City of Chicago. Responsible for
leading the effort to secure a multiyear, $4m grant from the Chicago
Housing Authority to support basic and advanced computer training for
residents returning to the new, mixed-income communities. Led
fundraising and business development efforts that resulted in $500-650K
per year in funding. Developed a solid training platform and strategic
partnerships to bring computer training to over 1,000 eligible residents and
place nearly 200 in lucrative, competitive employment opportunities.
Facilitated the organization’s restructuring and realigned the
organization’s mission and resources. Improved site operations and
processes to enhance effectiveness.
2000 – 2003 Organizational Development Consultant/Facilitator, Algonquin, IL
Designed and facilitated a series of management development and human
resource training workshops/seminars with corporations that included
International Truck and Engine Corporation (Warrenville, IL), AT&T
(Hoffman Estates, IL), United Airlines (Elk Grove Village, IL), Oak Park
Public Library System, Cap-Com Inc. (Arlington Heights, IL) and
Mallinckrodt, Inc. (St. Louis, MO), Alternatives, Inc. (Chicago), and
Chicago Public Schools.
2001 Principal Research Consultant, South Shore Bank, Chicago, IL
Designed and implemented research project understanding banking and
asset accumulation among low-income individuals.
2000 Principal Research Consultant & Evaluator, City of Chicago’s
Department of Planning & Urban Development.
Designed Request for Proposal (RFP) for a $20 million grant fund for
Chicago Empowerment Zones. Organized and managed external review
process of received proposals.
1997-1998 Principal Research Consultant, City of Savannah, Savannah, Georgia
Designed and implemented a community asset mapping project for the
city’s Department of Planning and Development and Office of the City
Manager.
1995-1996 Co-Principal Research Consultant, Center for Economic Policy Analysis
(Chicago) and Communities First (Benton Harbor, MI)
Assisted in the design and implementation of a research project for
Communities First, a state intermediary organization. Project focused on
identifying local associations and their involvement in community
development.
1995 Program Evaluator, Chicago Women in Trades, Chicago, IL Evaluated a large scale, multi-year Tradeswomen’s Leadership Project.
Designed survey instrument, analyzed collected data and prepared final
report.
Partial List of Honors
and Awards
2013-2014
2009 – 2014
Invited Participant, Aspen Institute Conference on Communications
Invited Participant, Aspen Institute Conference on Communications
2012-2014
Policy, Aspen, CO
Appointed, Digital Diversity Committee of the Federal Communications
Commission
2010
Recipient, Extraordinary Leadership, Rainbow PUSH Coalition
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, National Challenge Contest
Reviewer
2008 Rockwood Leadership Fellow, Media and Technology
2007 Top 10 MDU Pioneers, The Broadband Properties Magazine
2006 Certificate of Recognition, United Airlines
2005 Certificate of Recognition, Steans Family Foundation
2003 Certificate of Recognition, International Truck & Engine Corporation
2003 Certificate of Recognition for Dynamic Leadership, State Representative
Arthur Turner
2000 Certificate of Recognition, United Airlines
1995 Panelist, Northwestern University Forum on Race/Gender Relations
with comedian/satirist Bertrice Berry
1994-1997 Northwestern University’s Institute for Policy Research Fellow
1994-1991 Northwestern University Minority Research Fellow
1993 Honorable Mention, George Winch Award for Teaching Assistant of the
Year, Department of Sociology
1992 Recipient, George Winch Award for Teaching Assistant of the Year.
Department of Sociology
1991 Recipient, Social Science Research Fellow (UCLA) Most Recent Publications and Conference Papers
Turner-Lee, Nicol, “Minorities and Online Privacy,” Paper in progress, May 2015.
Editor, Digital Déjà vu: A Roadmap for Promoting Minority Ownership in the Wireless Industry, Feb.
2014.
Turner-Lee, Nicol and David Honig, 2013. Refocusing Broadband Policy: The New Opportunity Agenda
for People of Color, Nov. 2103.
Li, Ying, and Nicol Turner-Lee. 2011. Place Matters: The Debate over Broadband Availability, Race and
Income. Washington, DC: The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.
Gant, Jon P., and Nicol Turner-Lee. 2011. Government Transparency and Community
Information Needs. Washington, DC: Aspen Institute. Turner-Lee, Nicol. 2010. Increasing Civic Engagement in the Digital Age. Indianapolis, IN: Federal
Communications Law Journal.
Turner-Lee, Nicol. 2010. Increasing Civic Engagement in the Digital Age. Washington, DC: Time
Warner Research Program. Gant, Jon P., and Nicol Turner-Lee. September 2010. The Need for Broadband Acceptance: A New
Policy Framework for Promoting Digital Inclusion. Paper presented at TPRC, Washington, DC. Gant, Jon P., Nicol Turner-Lee, Ying Li, and Joseph Miller. 2010. National Minority Broadband
Adoption: Comparative Trends in Adoption and Acceptance. Washington, DC: The Joint Center for
Political and Economic Studies. Turner-Lee, Nicol. 2009. Broadband Imperatives. Washington, DC: The Joint Center for Political
and Economic Studies. Lee, Nicol E. (in progress). “The World is Not Flat: How Broadband is Reshaping American
Democracy.” Manuscript in progress for book publication. Lee, Nicol E. 2008 (full chapter), “Understanding Digital Equity in America” in eGovernment. Public
Technology Institute, Washington, DC.
Turner-Lee, Nicol E. and Pinkett, Randal (2004). “An Asset Based Approach to Community
Building and Community Technology” in Community Practice in the Network Society, eds. Peter
Day and Douglas Schuler. London: Routledge. Turner-Lee, Nicol E. and Pinkett, Randal (2003). “An Asset Based Approach to Community Building
and Community Technology.” Paper presented at the Association of Collegiate School of Planners.
Turner, Nicol (2001). “What Was the Deal with the Civil Rights Movement.” Paper presented at the
American Sociological Association, Chicago, Illinois. Turner, Nicol (2001). “What Was the Deal with the Civil Rights Movement.” Paper presented at the
Association of Black Sociologists, Chicago, Illinois. Turner, Nicol E. and Pinkett, Randal (2000). “An Asset Based Approach to Community Building and
Community Technology.” Paper presented at DIAC 2000, Seattle, Washington.
Turner, Nicol E. (1999). “Voluntary Associations in Low- Income Neighborhoods: Untapped
Community Resources.” Paper presented at the American Sociological Association, Society for the
Study of Social Problems and Association of Collegiate School of Planners.
Turner, Nicol E., McKnight, John and Kretzmann, John (1999). A Guide to Mapping and
Mobilizing the Associations in Local Neighborhoods. Chicago, IL: ACTA Publications. Turner, Nicol E. (1999). “Creating a Neighborhood Learning and Employment Network in West
Town.” Final report prepared for Northwestern University and the Northwest Tower Resident
Association.
Turner, Nicol (1998). “Understanding the Capacity of Local Associations in Savannah, Georgia.” Final
report prepared for Northwestern University and the City of Savannah, Georgia.
Turner, Nicol and Kretzmann, John (1998). “The Power of Austin Associations.” Final report
prepared for Shorebank Neighborhood Institute, Chicago, Illinois. Turner, Nicol, Johnson, Myra and Lyons, Arthur (1997). “The Richness of Benton Harbor,
Michigan.” Chicago, IL: Center for Economic Policy Analysis. Kretzmann, John, McKnight, John and Turner, Nicol (1996). Voluntary Associations in Low-Income
Neighborhoods. Evanston, IL: Institute for Policy Research.